NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution announced that Billy Bush and Kit Hoover have been named co-hosts of the new entertainment news talk show “Access Hollywood Live.” The syndicated show is set to premiere on September 13th.
“Billy Bush and Kit Hoover make a terrific pair – funny, engaging, lively and knowledgeable. As the ‘Access Hollywood Live’ team, they will bring a fresh new approach to daytime,” said Rob K. Silverstein, Executive Producer of “Access Hollywood Live” and “Access Hollywood.”
“This is what I’ve always wanted to do…live, spontaneous daytime TV. Kit Hoover is the perfect partner – hilarious, interesting and relatable. The opportunity to broaden my working relationship with Rob Silverstein is an honor. The man has a voracious appetite for success, as do I,” said Bush.
“I can’t believe I just turned 40 and I got my dream job! I’m so excited about this show. I’ve always been a huge fan of ‘Access Hollywood’ and Billy Bush. Billy is smart, witty, opinionated and fun – I can’t wait to get started!” said Hoover.
Bush, currently the anchor for “Access Hollywood,” joined the program as East Coast correspondent in December 2001, and was promoted to co-anchor in June 2004. This month he will co-host NBC’s “Red Carpet to the Primetime Emmy Awards” pre-show special.
A veteran TV personality and broadcast journalist, Hoover joins Bush in co-hosting “Access Hollywood Live” having made her TV debut in 1995 as a cast member on the original season of MTV’s “Road Rules.” Soon after she joined Fox News in 1999 as a correspondent for Fox Broadcasting Company’s newsmagazine “FOX Files.” In 2003 Hoover went on to host ESPN2’s “Cold Pizza.” Most recently she served as the host of “Shaq Vs.,” a reality show starring Shaquille O’Neal currently airing on ABC.
“Access Hollywood Live” will focus on the latest celebrity dish, opinions, pop-culture, Hollywood happenings and all the day’s big news. The show, which will broadcast live in HD, will feature in-studio guests, a cast of regular contributors and female-friendly segments on the most up-to-date styles, fashion, trends and more. Executive Producer Silverstein and the experienced “Access Hollywood” production team will produce “Access Hollywood Live” from Los Angeles. Stephanie Medina (AMC’s “Sunday Morning Shootout”) will direct “Access Hollywood Live.”
Online, AccessHollywood.com and various social media platforms will be leveraged to add a level of interaction to the viewing experience of “Access Hollywood Live.” The digital team is working closely with “Access Hollywood Live” producers on features which will allow viewers to both interact in real time, through live chats and polls, and react to content on the show through tweeting, commenting, rating and more. Viewer contributions posted will have a chance to be included in the live on-air broadcast.
The flagship show “Access Hollywood” will mark its 15th season in national syndication broadcasting in HD on September 6, 2010. The show was recently renewed by the NBC Local Media group through 2014. For the 2009-10 season, “Access Hollywood” averaged a 5% increase versus the same period last season according to Nielsen Media Research making it the #2 entertainment newsmagazine in syndication.
